Sajin
MajorGrab500
Could someone also explain what the thermal pads are and why they are required(?)
The thermal pads will help keep the card cooler. The thermal pads aren't required, the pads are optional.
Wouldn't it be better to suggest a "better be safe than sorry" approach? The VRMs will work fine until they don't and then they will burn up rapidly. Applying the thermal pads will keep those cooler and thus reduce any risk of the card destroying itself.